Cromer

Plan your day out in Cromer

From a nostalgic steam train ride to a tasty fresh crab salad, there are many pleasures to be savoured on the North Norfolk coast. Enjoy the huge Blue Flag beaches, explore a wealth of maritime history or hit the shops for everything from traditional sweets to surf gear.

Cromer caters for all your shopping needs, from distinctive souvenirs and local produce to clothes, homewares or sporting goods. Close to the seafront there are plenty of places to buy your beach equipment. In the town centre, you'll find several time-honoured establishments, including a branch of Norwich's famous Jarrold's department store, opened over 100 years ago. The town also has a street market on the first and third Friday of each month, selling homemade cakes and savouries, fresh produce, plants and crafts.

Imagine yourself back in the 19th century as you step into this snug fisherman's cottage, converted into a fascinating little museum. It traces the history of Cromer from prehistoric times to the Victorian era when the town provoked scandal for its mixed bathing.

Visit the Cromer Museum website

Named after the town's most famous lifeboatman, who served for over 50 years, this family-friendly museum tells the history of lifesaving at sea off Cromer. On display are full-size and model lifeboats, as well as medals, archive film, photos and paintings.

More information on the RNLI website

Located on the road to the Pier, Garden House Gallery is housed in a former fishermen's cottage, built of brick and flint in typical Norfolk style. Collections include paintings, sculptures and crafts by local artists and makers.

Visit the Garden House Gallery website

Home of 'the only end-of-the-pier show of its kind in Europe', the Pavilion offers summer seaside entertainment in true, time-honoured tradition with a bill of live variety acts, including dancers, magicians, ventriloquists and comedians. There's also a year-round programme of comedy, music, dance, opera, musicals and community shows.

Visit the Pavillion Theatre website

With venues in both Norwich and Cromer, this contemporary art gallery exhibits a hand-picked selection of paintings, limited edition prints, jewellery and crafts.

Visit the Gallery Norfolk website

About a mile from the railway station, this popular animal attraction specialises in tropical South American wildlife. Residents include jaguars, monkeys, macaws, flamingos, iguanas, pumas and tapirs. There are also outdoor and indoor play areas.

Visit the Amazona Zoo website

At five acres in size, North Lodge is more of a garden than a park. But it's a true gem – a typical seaside cliff-top green space with neat lawns, colourful flower beds, a children's play area, a putting green and a boating lake.

Visit the North Lodge Park website

If you've come to North Norfolk in search of those trademark expanses of soft, golden sands, you won't be disappointed in Cromer and Sheringham. Both have fine Blue Flag beaches with gently shelving waters that are great for swimming. There are also traditional amusement arcades nearby, as well as cafés for a cool drink on a hot day. A walk along Cromer's high, walled promenade or Sheringham's cliff-top pathway is a great experience whether it's warm and sunny or fresh and bracing.

Voted Pier of the Year by the National Piers Society in 2015, this stately Victorian structure is one of North Norfolk's most recognisable landmarks. Stroll along to the pier head for stunning views of the sea and coastline.

Visit the Cromer Pier website

Fresh Cromer crab may be the most famous local delicacy, but there's plenty more to tempt foodies in this part of the world. In recent years, North Norfolk has become renowned throughout the UK for its culinary excellence, based on the use of fresh, local fish, meat and produce from field-to-fork (and sea-to-fork) suppliers. Bolton's Bistro in Cromer is a cliff-top venue specialising in fresh fish, including locally caught crab and lobster. For fine dining there's the Grove, a two-AA-rosette establishment with an elegant Georgian dining room. There are also traditional hostelries serving high-quality food, including the historic Two Lifeboats in Sheringham. Several good ethnic eateries include The Bank, a Nepalese restaurant in Sheringham, and the Constantia Cottage in Cromer, which has been serving authentic Greek food in the town for over 30 years.

The fast food market in Cromer and Sheringham is also largely free of major brands. Naturally, fish and chips is the number one choice for most, but you'll also find places selling pizza, burgers, pie and mash, sandwiches, kebabs and other favourites.

When it comes to cafés, the emphasis in Cromer and Sheringham is definitely on the traditional and independent. You won't find the town centre streets dominated by the big name national chains – what you will find is plenty of variety, from old-fashioned tea rooms to modern, barista-style coffee bars. To enjoy sea views with your Earl Grey or cappuccino, visit one of the seafront establishments, such as the Rocket House Café, which is located on Cromer's East Beach above the Henry Blogg Lifeboat Museum. In Sheringham there's the brilliantly named Funky Mackerel Cafe right on the seafront.

Offers, events and days out in and around Cromer

See more...

Where to stay

Book your accommodation online with our partner Booking.com